DON’T LET AGE SPOTS SHOW YOUR AGE: Leading dermatologist Joshua Fox on removing dark spots, making skin look younger. 

Roslyn, NY, April 2010 - Everyone knows it. Age spots on our skin make us appear many years older than our true ages. Today, dermatologist Joshua Fox, M.D., says there are many treatments available to reduce or remove these age spots, helping us to look years younger.
 
Age spots are flat, light or dark brown marks that develop on the skin as we age. They appear mainly on areas exposed most to the sun, including the face, hands, shoulders and arms. Dr. Fox says that age spots, more correctly called lentigines, are caused by overexposure to the sun, which damages skin. Often, once you start to see age spots, he says, you’ll also see other signs of sun damage including deep wrinkles, dry rough skin, fine red veins and thinner, more translucent-looking skin.
 
Typically considered to affect people over age 40, younger people who spend a great deal of time in the sun may see age spots too.  While true age spots are harmless, they may resemble cancerous growths, says Dr. Fox. For that reason, “if you start to see age spots on your skin, ask your dermatologist to look at them to make sure they are not suspicious,” adds Dr. Fox.
 
“If you notice any new mark on your skin, or if an existing mark has any changes in color or shape, your doctor will determine if it is cancerous or something to be concerned about,” Dr. Fox says. He explains that melanoma is the most dangerous of all skin cancer types, resulting in over 80,000 cases per year. The good news, he adds, is that “most brown spots are not harmful and can be removed or easily treated to improve the skin’s appearance and make you look younger.”
 
“Once your doctor has ruled out skin cancer, there are several different home remedies and in-office treatments that can help reduce or remove the age spots,” Dr. Fox says. 
 
Once age spots have developed, Dr. Fox says, they can attempt to be lightened safely with skin-bleaching lotions and creams that can be purchased in department stores, drug stores and online. However, Dr. Fox adds that this typically only results in a small improvement. Successful treatment needs to penetrate the topmost layer of skin where the extra pigment is located, so the products must be used regularly over several weeks or months before noticeable results occur. When choosing a nonprescription fade cream, choose one that contains hydroquinone, deoxyarbutin, glycolic acid or kojic acid.
 
“If these over-the-counter products don’t do enough to reduce the spots, and Dr. Fox adds that most people do not get satisfactory results from these lotions and creams, your dermatologist has an arsenal of other treatments that do a great job of reducing or removing age spots,” Dr. Fox says, listing the top six in-office treatments.
 
Prescription creams. Bleaching creams containing hydroquinone, used alone or with retinoids and a mild steroid, when used regularly, may partially fade age spots over time.
 
Q-Switched Lasers. Laser treatments performed in your dermatologist’s office can remove sun spots, brown spots and liver spots. These treatments work by being very specific for brown color and selectively removing the lesions.
 
Microdermabrasion. In this procedure, the skin is sanded with a special instrument to lessen the age spot. This procedure helps to strengthen and rejuvenate aging skin, and may even help reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
 
Cryosurgery. This procedure uses liquid nitrogen to freeze skin tissue and remove age spots.
 
Chemical Peel. Chemical peels are a powerful treatment that not only help reduce and remove age spots, but can also strengthen the skin to boost collagen production. A chemical peel involves applying an acid, which burns the outer layer of your skin. As the skin peels, new skin forms to take its place.
 
Laser Skin Rejuvenation. Fraxel and Pixel. A popular cosmetic treatment, Fraxel is a powerful resurfacing laser treatment that smoothes and rejuvenates the skin, removes age spots and reduces the appearance of fine lines. Pixel is a more powerful resurfacing laser which also treats some of the deeper lines.
 
Dr. Fox adds that “prevention, or reducing exposure to the sun, is the best way to reduce the likelihood of getting age spots. Wear sunscreen all the time on all areas of exposed skin, no matter what the weather or season. If you must be in the sun, even in winter, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (which blocks both UVA and UVB rays) with an SPF of at least 15.”
 
“While aging does cause a host of changes to our bodies, our skin doesn’t have to make us look or feel old,” says Dr. Fox.  “A consultation with your dermatologist can help you identify the right treatment for you that will reduce or even remove age spots and leave you feeling and looking younger,” adds Dr. Fox.

Thu Feb 4, 2.00 am ET

Joshua Fox, M.D., medical director at Advanced Dermatology and founder of the New Age Skin Research Foundation, a non-profit health organization, conducted a study on 2,252 respondents. It consisted of a 24-question survey to assess the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors towards sun exposure, tanning and sunscreen usage.

New Hyde Park, NY (PRWEB) February 4, 2010 — The American Cancer Society reports that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer. With more than one million cases diagnosed annually, the incidences of skin cancers out number the combined incidences of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer in the United States.

Doctors Joshua Fox, MD and Rao Saladi, MD, of the New Age Skin Research Foundation, a non-profit health organization aiming to provide expert educational resources to the public and physicians, concluded that the most recent research on attitudes about sun protection and the behavior related to the proper use of sunscreen was unfortunately from studies focused primarily in Australia.

In order to gain an understanding of local points of view, the doctors conducted their own study and presented their findings in March of 2009, at the American Academy of Dermatology’s (AAD) 67th Annual Meeting, held in San Francisco, California. These same findings were published in the March 2009 issue of The American Academy of Dermatology.

The study was conducted throughout Connecticut, New York and New Jersey and included 2,252 respondents. The study consisted of a 24-question survey. The survey was designed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors towards sun exposure, tanning and sunscreen usage. Demographic data on each subject’s age, sex, race, education and skin type were also collected. Surveys were conducted throughout the Tri-State area in four types of locations: public beaches (34.6% of respondents), public areas such as malls and parks (33.3% of respondents), at colleges (24.6% of respondents), and in dermatology offices (7.5% of respondents).

Dr. Fox and Dr. Saladi concluded that, “While many individuals are admittedly aware of the value of sunscreen as protection against the dangers of skin damage and skin cancer, they lack knowledge about the proper use of sunscreen.”

“One surprising finding”, said Dr. Fox, “was that while respondents in the beachgoer category had the highest instance of sunscreen usage, 42% using it regularly; the same group was among the highest percentage to use tanning salons.”

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, frequent tanners using new high-pressure sunlamps may receive as much as 12 times the annual UVA dose compared to the dose they receive from sun exposure. And, research indicates that people who use tanning beds are 2.5 times more likely to develop Squamous Cell Carcinoma which kills about 2.5 billion people each year, and are 1.5 times more likely to develop Basal Cell Carcinoma. Doctors Fox and Saladi discovered that, regardless of the survey category, between 10% and 15% of respondents used tanning beds.

Other results from the survey showed that respondents from the public area category were split almost equally into thirds; one third used sunscreen regularly, one third used it occasionally, and one third reported non-use. Of the college campus respondents 38.9% of respondents reported almost daily use, while 39.23% said they never used sunscreen.

The dermatology office category respondents reported the highest daily usage of sunscreen at 56.90 percent. “We believe that it is because this group of respondents is likely to have had some experience with or concern about skin damage or cancer,” said Dr. Fox.

Dr. Saladi added, “it is also likely that as a result of their dermatology visits, this group would have had the highest degree of education and reinforcement regarding the proper use of sunscreen from their dermatologist and staff. Dr. Fox and I both believe that improving education and reinforcement can increase awareness and improve behavior, regardless of the geographic area.”

Education on the proper use of sunscreen should include how to select the right products, the proper application and reapplication of sunscreen, and the frequency and amount of its use.

This Winter, Don’t Forget Sunscreen
Though you might not think about SPF in winter months, sun protection is important year round.

You may be thinking more about moisturizing your skin this season.

The CDC has also found over 100 million Americans experience some degree of sunburn annually, either by not properly applying sunscreen or not using it at all.

But even though the sandals and bathing suit are packed away, sunscreen should stay well in reach. In fact, it is always the season for sunscreen, even though most of our skin is under layers of clothes in the winter months.

And even though we know better, studies show we often overlook taking simple steps when in the sun: using protective clothing, applying sunscreen and avoiding direct sun exposure. The New Age Skin Research Foundation conducted a study and found many melanoma patients were aware of the sun’s effects and dangers, but few took these protective steps–until after they were diagnosed with skin cancer.

Sunscreen Facts and Myths
The consequences of ignoring the dangers of the sun can be dire. More than 1 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer and 132,000 new cases of melanoma skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Melanoma is responsible for more than 8,500 skin cancer deaths annually; this number has been on the rise over the past decade in large part due to unprotected sun exposure, the AAD says.

Surprisingly, the motivating factor for putting on sunscreen isn’t these humbling statistics, however. When counseling his patients, Joshua Fox, MD, plays up the effects of the sun on skin aging as opposed to the cancer risk. People are more concerned with wrinkles and sunspots, says Dr. Fox, a New York dermatologist, founder and medical director of Advanced Dermatology, PC and the Center for Laser and Cosmetic Surgery.

“If you’re under 40, you probably don’t know anyone who has skin cancer and it’s nothing you can relate to,” explains Dr. Fox, who is also the president of The New Age Skin Research Foundation. “But you do see people with wrinkled skin.”

Interestingly, sunscreen isn’t the only precaution you should be taking to protect yourself.

“A lot of people think just putting sunscreen on is just like Superman changing into his cape-they think they will be totally immune to the effect of ultraviolet (UV) light,” says dermatologist Clay Cockerell, MD, clinical professor of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas; and former president of the AAD. “Sunscreen does block a significant part of UV rays, but not 100 percent.

During the winter, remember to put sunscreen on all exposed areas, even if you are just going out to play in the snow or ski. You may be wearing a scarf, gloves and a snowsuit, but your exposed face is still subjected to UV rays. Even though there is less direct sunlight in the winter, there is still a chance to get burned-especially since snow reflects light.

Another recent myth about sunscreen is that if you wear it, you will block out the beneficial vitamin D you obtain from the sunlight. This is false, according to Dr. Cockerell. Between five and 10 minutes in the sun a few times a week will give you all the vitamin D you need, Dr. Cockerell contends. You can always take vitamin D supplements or add foods containing vitamin D to your diet as well. “We have an epidemic of skin cancer on our hands, not of vitamin D-related rickets,” he adds.

Finding Your SPF
At the least, consumers should wear an SPF of 15. Those with fair skin should wear an SPF of 30 or higher, Dr. Cockerell says. New sunscreens on the market even go as high as an SPF of 85 or 90. “If you’re compulsive, have sensitive skin or have had skin cancer, those are good for you,” Dr. Cockerell tells ADVANCE.

People can be allergic to types of sunscreen, including those made of organic compounds. Instead of forgoing sunscreen all together, they can try sunscreens made of inorganic compounds, such as zinc oxide and titanium oxide.

Dr. Fox suggests putting your sunscreen right next to your toothbrush so you remember to put it on every morning when you brush your teeth. Check as well for moisturizers with sunscreen included, especially if you are concerned with wrinkles. These steps can help you look good, as well as stay healthy-no matter the motivation.

Amanda Koehler is an associate editor at ADVANCE.

The Problem with Sunscreen is that People aren’t Using it Enough

New research reveals neglected sun protection practices. Leading dermatologist, Dr. Joshua Fox, comments on the long term damage of sunburn and the importance of daily use of sunscreen.

New Hyde Park, NY (PRWEB) July 16, 2009 — Most people know using sunscreen is one of the best ways to prevent skin cancer. Yet research shows as many as 40 percent of people never use it–even when they go to the beach.

“This is a big part of why skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States,” said New York dermatologist Joshua Fox, M.D., founder and medical director of Advanced Dermatology, P.C. and the Center for Laser and Cosmetic Surgery. “But the importance of regular sunscreen use, especially for beachgoers in the summertime, can’t be stressed enough. What’s perceived as an uncomfortable but harmless sun burn today could very well become the cause of skin cancer in the future.”

Indeed, more than 100 million American each year experience some degree of sunburn from either not using sunscreen, or improperly applying it, said the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Yet even the mildest cases can have a significant impact, Dr. Fox stressed.

“Skin cancer is an insidious disease because it appears years after the damage has been done,” Dr. Fox added, “and I think that’s part of the reason people have such a hard time understanding why they need to use sunscreen now. They think, ‘Nothing is going to happen to me 20 years from now.’ But the truth is that something can.”

That “something,” said the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), is an estimated over 1 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer and 132,000 new cases of melanoma skin cancer diagnosed in the U.S. each year. Melanoma, the most serious form, is responsible for roughly 8,500 skin cancer deaths each year. In fact, incidents of melanoma have risen drastically over the past decade, the AAD reported, with increased, unprotected sun exposure largely to blame.

To stress the importance of continued sunscreen education both within and outside the medical community, New Age Skin Research Foundation, a nonprofit organization of which Dr. Fox is President, conducted, and recently presented to the American Academy of Dermatology, the results of a study that focused on the before and after sun-protection habits of melanoma patients.

Although most patients in the study admitted to being aware of the dangers of sun exposure and importance of sun protection, few practiced applying and reapplying sunscreen, avoiding direct sun exposure and wearing protective clothing until after they were diagnosed with skin cancer.

According to the study, patients’ primary recommendation for preventing new skin cancer is an increase in education, with a focus on young people, explained New Age Skin Foundation Director Rao Saladi, M.D., adding that melanoma is often linked to too much sun exposure.

Complete results of the study, including participants’ comments, will be published in Melanoma Research. This supports previous research on skin cancer that found fewer than one-third of U.S. youths practice effective skin protection.

Focused on youths 11 to 18 years old, the survey revealed alarming trends that include:

• More than 68 percent not wearing sunglasses on sunny days.
• More than 79 percent not wearing protective clothing, such as long pants.
• More than 78 percent not avoiding direct sun exposure or staying in the shade.
• More than 69 percent not properly applying, or reapplying, sunscreen.
• More than 43 percent not using a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more when at the beach or pool.
• Despite skin cancer’s devastating effects, young people–and even adults–seeking the perfect tan continue to spend time in the sun unprotected at an alarming rate. The reality is that there is no such thing as a healthy tan. Other risk factors for skin cancer include age and a family history of the disease. But long-term, unprotected exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays is the primary risk factor.
• “Even on a cloudy day, or in a shaded area, you should apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 of greater 30 minutes before you leave the house,” he added. “The sun’s ultraviolet rays have great reflective powers and can burn your skin on a cloudy day as well as on a sunny one. The risk is year-round.”
• Remembering to reapply sunscreen after swimming or vigorous activity that makes you perspire, is important too, Dr. Fox said. Other daily sun safety rules should include:
• Avoiding direct sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are the strongest.
• Covering the skin with loose, comfortable clothing made of tightly woven fabric.
• Applying generous amounts of sunscreen and lip balm with an SPF of 15 or higher.
• Wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
• Wearing sunglasses with lenses that have 99 to 100 percent UV absorption.
• Avoiding other sources of UV light, like tanning beds and sun lamps that also damage the skin.

“When proper sun protective practices are followed consistently, skin cancer can largely be prevented,” Dr. Fox said. “We need to change habits and mindsets to help people see the necessity–and urgency–of protecting themselves against skin cancer.”

Autumn Proofing Your Skin: Leading Dermatologist Dr. Joshua Fox on Skin Problems, Solutions as Season Changes

Joshua Fox, MD, a leading dermatologist, founder of Advanced Dermatology and a spokesperson for the American Academy of Dermatology: As summer turns to autumn and the green leaves turn red, yellow and orange, your skin also changes with the season. During the fall, the skin needs extra nourishment and protection. Three things that everyone should do to protect their skin in the autumn include drinking lots of water to remain hydrated, applying moisturizer before going outside to give it time to be absorbed and, importantly, continuing to use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.

New Hyde Park, NY (PRWEB) September 5, 2009 — As summer turns to autumn and the green leaves turn red, yellow and orange, your skin also changes with the season, says Joshua Fox, MD, a leading dermatologist, founder of Advanced Dermatology and a spokesperson for the American Academy of Dermatology.

While the autumn weather may encourage outdoor activities, your skin will retain less moisture because of the cooler, drier air. The same happens indoors as the heat goes on and up. Key symptoms of “autumn skin” include dryness, fine lines, dull and sallow skin tone, sun and age spots, flaking and irritation as well as the flare-up of some chronic conditions. “Your skin can remain beautiful and glowing, however, if you treat it correctly and make some minor adjustments to your beauty regime to account for the change of seasons,” Dr. Fox says.

During the fall, the skin needs extra nourishment and protection. “Three things that everyone should do to protect their skin in the autumn include drinking lots of water to remain hydrated, applying moisturizer before going outside to give it time to be absorbed and, importantly, continuing to use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15,” Dr. Fox says.

“Autumn presents special challenges to the face, body, hands, nails and feet,” he adds, explaining the specific issues facing each body part and offering tips for improving your skin’s appearance in the fall.

Face/Head: Despite the waning sun, it is still important to use sunscreen in autumn. Moisturizing is more important than ever, regardless of skin type. In fact, even oily skin needs a moisturizer. People with seborrhea, or dandruff, may experience autumn flare-ups. This chronic inflammatory skin disorder is more common in men than women and affects up to three percent of the population. It can be controlled by washing with special soapsand shampoos or topical steroids. If seborrhea does not improve or worsens, a dermatologist can provide additional treatments.

Body/Trunk: Moisturizer that is applied when the body is slightly damp after bathing is one of the most important things we can do to improve the condition and feel of our skin, Dr. Fox says. A body oil or cream should be applied over the whole body, concentrating on rough spots including the elbows, knees and feet. Moisturizers with an alpha hydroxy acid help exfoliate the skin’s outermost layer. Exercise is also a good moisturizer, as sweat provides a natural way of releasing toxins.

Some people may experience a flare-up of conditions such as psoriasis or eczema/atopic dermatitis in the fall. Psoriasis is a chronic disease of the immune system that appears on the skin, usually in the form of thick, red, scaly patches. According to the National Institutes of Health, up to 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis. There are many over-the-counter and prescription treatments for psoriasis. Your doctor can help you find the right one. Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, results in scratching that may lead to redness, swelling, cracking, “weeping” of clear fluid, crusting and scaling of the skin. Intensely itchy patches form, which can be widespread or limited to a few areas. Between 10 and 20 percent of people worldwide develop atopic dermatitis, making it the most common type of eczema. Eczema should be treated by a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment including medication combined with lifestyle changes. There may even be a specific allergen which the dermatologist can discover to help make the eczema better.

Hands/Arms: Sun damage over the years can result in localized spots of hyperpigmentation that appear on the most exposed parts of the body, generally the hands, shoulders and face. Known as age spots or liver spots, these flat, gray, brown or black marks are harmless and don’t need treatment. However, because they may be confused with cancerous growths, any new marks should be checked by a physician. For cosmetic reasons, age spots can sometimes be lightened with skin-bleaching products or completely removed with the use of lasers. However, preventing age spots — by avoiding the sun and using sunscreen — may be the easiest way to avoid these spots.

Another common skin condition that may flare up in the fall is keratosis pilaris, which consists of rough patches and small, acne-like bumps, usually on the arms and thighs. In fact, keratosis pilaris may improve during the summer months, only to later worsen when the weather changes. This condition is not serious but is difficult to treat. Prescription medications and self-care measures including keeping skin moist can improve the appearance of your skin. Though quite common with young children, keratosis pilaris can occur at any age. Often, keratosis pilaris gradually improves on its own.

Nails: It is not uncommon for nails to start cracking or peeling. Avoiding harsh soaps and the more frequent use of moisturizer is usually the answer.

Feet: A major problem associated with the skin of the feet upon summer’s end is dry, cracked heels caused by wearing open backed shoes during the summer. Cracked heel problems can be relatively mild, with dry or flaky skin, to very severe and painful, with hard skin and deep fissures that are prone to bleeding and make walking uncomfortable. Cracked heels can be improved by taking care of the feet by using a natural foot scrub and pumice stone to slough away dead skin and moisturizing with a highly concentrated emollient base, petroleum jelly or a healing, natural oil, such as olive or sesame, urea or alphahydroxy acid. Some prescription creams may be required in resistant cases. If one has certain skin conditions, like psoriasis, scrubbing is not advised.

“While many people look forward to a refreshing, cool autumn after a long, hot summer, it’s important to remember that your skin needs to be treated differently as the seasons change,” Dr. Fox says. “Changing your beauty and skin care routine regularly, depending on the season, and remaining in close contact with your dermatologist, can keep your skin looking beautiful year round.”